Mark H. Taylor

Determinants of audit fees: the importance of litigation, disclosure, and regulatory burdens in audit engagements in 20 countries

Abstract The majority of previous audit fee research has focused on fees and their determinants in individual countries. This paper combines fee observations from 20 countries into a single sample. The benefit of aggregating fee observations from differing countries is the opportunity to examine the effects of variables such as litigation and regulation, which vary across, but not within a given country on audit fees. Hence, the focus of this paper is on “macro” determinants of audit fees. The results indicate that increased litigation pressures, institutional traditions of increased disclosure, and increased regulation put upward pressures on audit fees. This paper establishes the role of those variables in the determination of fees, integrating an international perspective in the examination of audit fees.

The demand for auditor reputation across international markets for audit services

Abstract Previous research has documented a positive relation between variation in audit fees across countries and specific macroeconomic factors such as a countrys level of litigiousness and the level of required disclosure. Such studies have focused on the supply of auditor services using single-equation models. This study examines not only the supply of but also the demand for large-firm auditors across 20 different countries using the simultaneous-equations approach. This approach is used to account for the endogeneity between choice of auditor and audit fees. The results indicate an association between greater disclosure requirements and the choice of a large-firm auditor. They also indicate that increased litigation and regulation are associated with higher audit fees.

Calcific metamorphosis with internal resorption

We have presented a case in which 3.7-year-old patient exhibited calcific metamorphosis of a maxillary primary central incisor at the initial visit, with subsequently internal resorption developing in the same tooth. This case underscores the need for careful monitoring of traumatized teeth that have undergone calcific metamorphosis.

Handheld computing in dentistry

Handheld computer sales are increasing rapidly in the United States and worldwide. The convenience and communication features will continue to improve and become commonplace in our lives. Using a handheld computer in the dental environment is efficient and potentially aids the dentist in delivering a higher standard of care to patients.